Cuban Cigar Factory: Maestro Review

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

The Cuban Cigar Factory is a little-known cigar manufacturer located in the Gaslamp District in San Diego, California. However, they have some very nice cigars, many of which are rolled right on the premises. I caught the torcedor rolling these cigars and tried the ones from the humidor that had been aged. I purchased a box and have been storing them in a homemade wood humidor at between 65 and 70% humidity ever since.

TASTING NOTES: The Maestro is one of the fullest-bodied of the Cuban Cigar Factory offerings. After 21 months in my humidor, these smokes still look and feel great. The wrapper on this missile is dark and leathery and the cigar is firm with just a slight “give” to the touch. There is still a light chestnut nose to the wrapper, which has been gradually losing its oils, hence its aromas. It has been 3 months since the last rating of this batch of cigars (1/26/2006).

I light the foot of the Maestro and it yields a flavor of roasted nuts, which is almost immediately replaced by a full tobacco flavor. The nearly white ash cuts a wonderful contrast to the dark wrapper leaf. The smoke over the first half is a much mellower version of the original stogie. The flavors are smoother and more balanced. In fact, this time I am experiencing something very akin to complexity. This is the first time I have experienced this with the Maestro, which has in the past been a full-in-your-face smoke.

At the halfway point, there is a spiciness that starts to tickle my tongue. There is also a sweetness that is like dried cherries. Mmmmm. Yes, by jove, this cigar is displaying some complexity.

I recommend this cigar for people who like a full-bodied smoke. As an extra perk, the cigars have what it takes to stand up to some serious aging and demonstrate varied characteristics over time.

Doc

[smokin'Mike-E]

Great review Doc, I think I might look into to these. Thanks for attaching the link.